Mayor Carl Gerlach comments on Nordstrom relocation

"Although we have nearly three years before Nordstrom’s move to a smaller storefront, CBL has already begun evaluating alternative uses for the Nordstrom building.

We look forward to working with CBL as plans unfold. Oak Park Mall is not only a premier retail center in the metropolitan area, but also in the nation and we have no doubt it will maintain that market position and continue to attract high-quality tenants moving forward."

Brick and mortar stores are looking at changing consumer demands, and the retail industry nationwide is responding by evolving traditional malls to add new uses and experiences, Gerlach added.

"The other night we had a community-wide meeting of residents, business leaders and visitors at the Imagine Workshop for ForwardOP.

ForwardOP is a community visioning effort to look at the city 20-30 years in the future.

Obviously, traditional retail operations are part of future considerations. What that may be will be discussed."